Memory Work? Me?
Last week I told you about Ann Voskamp’s new book, One Thousand Gifts – which I am thoroughly enjoying.
This week I want to tell you about a challenge that Ann stirred in me.
I like to try to memorize Scripture. It hasn’t always been successful but at least I have the paraphrase in my mind.
Why memorize Scripture you ask? Over the past few years I have committed to memory several verses. I learned them because they meant so much to me. Here are two of them about fear:
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (NIV)
2 Timothy 1:7
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. (NIV)
Other verses I have learned when I taught Sunday School and we learned them together or learned them through song.
Here is one:
Proverbs 3:5,6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight. (NASB)
You may notice it is not an NIV version – I learned this through a song – so I have all the actions to it as well.
I am grateful to God for His Word and for my ability to remember it. It takes practice and discipline but it feels so good ‘to know that you know’ it.
Scripture can also be used in prayer. When we say God’s words back to Him, they make a great impact on both of us. For instance I pray Ephesians 3:16-19 for each member of my family. I trust Him and know that in His time He will reveal Himself in all His glory to each one of them.
This challenge of Ann’s is to memorize Colossians. Yes, that is what I said – memorize the book of Colossians. If you do 2 verses per week for a year – it will be done.
I took the challenge along with an entire group of people – they have a Facebook page. We are doing verses 9 and 10 this week of Chapter 1. At last count there were over 800 people signed up.
So far I have kept my goal. I like that there are others doing this with me. It is not too late if you want to join us.
In any case, memorizing Scripture is a great way of “being in God’s Word” and communicating with Him.
Prayer:
Father, we thank You for your Word. We thank You that You have instilled in us a desire to know You more. Help us to study Your Word, memorize it, if we can, and keep it close to our hearts. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.
